Left ventricular twist was decreased in isolated left bundle branch block with preserved ejection fraction.

Objective: Left ventricular (LV) rotation and twist play an important role in LV contraction and relaxation. Left bundle branch block (LBBB) deteriorates both diastolic and systolic functions. We evaluated the LV twist in patients with LBBB and preserved ejection fraction (EF) (>50%) to determine twist as a potential marker for subtle myocardial dysfunction.

Relationship between CHA2DS2-VASc score and atrial electromechanical function in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation: A pilot study.

Background: CHA2DS2-VASc score is the most widely preferred method for prediction of stroke risk in patients with atrial fibrillation. We hypothesized that CHA2DS2-VASc score may represent atrial remodeling status, and therefore echocardiographic evaluation of left atrial electromechanical remodeling can be used to identify patients with high risk.

Methods: A total of 65 patients who had documented diagnosis of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) were divided into three risk groups according to the CHA2DS2-VASc score: patients with low risk (score=0, group 1), with moderate risk (score=1, group 2), and with high risk score (score ≥2, group 3).

Effects of Paclitaxel and Carboplatin combination on mechanical myocardial and microvascular functions: a transthoracic Doppler echocardiography and two-dimensional strain imaging study.

Aim: Paclitaxel and carboplatin are frequently used chemotherapy drugs in the treatment of gynecologic malignancies. Little is known about their effects on left ventricular mechanical and coronary microvascular functions.

Methods: Thirty consecutive patients were prospectively enrolled.

Right ventricular function is a determinant of long-term survival after cardiac resynchronization therapy.

Background: Right ventricular (RV) dysfunction is a marker of poor prognosis in patients with heart failure. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of RV function on the long-term outcomes of patients undergoing cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT).

Methods: A total of 120 consecutive patients treated with CRT according to guideline criteria were followed over 5 years.

Asymptomatic aortic dissection late after aortic valve replacement.

Aortic dissection (AD) in patient with prostetic aortic valve is a rare but potentially fatal complication. Predictors of the occurrence of AD after aortic valve replacement (AVR) include fragility and thinning of the ascending aorta, aortic dilatation, aortic regurgitation (AR) and high blood pressure before AVR operation. AD is usually symptomatic, but rarely asymptomatic.

Two cases of multivessel coronary artery ectasias resulting in acute inferior myocardial infarction.

The incidence of multivessel coronary artery ectasias (CAEs) among patients undergoing coronary artery angiography is very rare. All three coronary vessels can be affected by CAE, but most patients have an isolated arterial ectasia, commonly the right coronary artery. In this report we present two cases with inferior myocardial infarction that was likely caused by thrombotic occlusion of CAEs.

An Unusual Type of Localized Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy With Wolf Parkinson White Syndrome Presenting With Pulmonary Edema.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is an autosomal dominant heart disease that is the most common genetic cardiac disorder. The disease is characterized by excessive thickening of the left ventricular myocardium. The anterior portion of the interventricular ventricular septum is often involved.

Body composition monitor measurement technique for the detection of volume status in peritoneal dialysis patients: the effect of abdominal fullness.

Background: Bioimpedance spectroscopy (BIS) is used to assess volume status in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. However, it is proposed that it may be troubling in patients with abnormal fluid distribution and body geometry. It is not clear whether having an empty abdomen or not interferes with the BIS results and its relation with echocardiographic findings in PD patients.

Evaluation of coronary microvascular function in patients with end-stage renal disease, and renal allograft recipients.

Background: Approximately half of all deaths in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) are due to cardiovascular diseases. Although renal transplant improves survival and quality of life in these patients, cardiovascular events significantly affect survival. We sought to evaluate coronary flow reserve (CFR), an indicator of coronary microvascular function, in patients with ESRD and in patients with a functioning kidney graft.

Coronary flow reserve is impaired in patients with aortic valve calcification.

Background: Calcific aortic valve disease is an active and progressive condition. Data indicate that aortic valve calcification (AVC) is associated with endothelial dysfunction and accepted as a manifestation of atherosclerosis. Coronary flow reserve (CFR) determined by transthoracic echocardiography has been introduced as a reliable indicator for coronary microvascular function.

The association between hematological parameters and coronary flow reserve and coronary haemorheology in healthy subjects.

Unlabelled: Studies carried out on sheep's have suggested possible effects of hematological parameters on coronary flow reserve (CFR). However, there is no study published investigating possible effects of hematological parameters and blood viscosity on coronary haemorheology and CFR in humans. We investigated the possible effects of hematological parameters on CFR using transthoracic echocardiography.

Serum gamma-glutamyl transferase activity: a new marker for stent restenosis?

Stent restenosis remains the main limitation of percutaneous coronary intervention. Elevated serum gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) level is associated with an inflammatory response. We aimed to determine the correlation of stent restenosis with the serums level of GGT.